A Winter Plumbing Checklist to Help You Avoid Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies—and one of the most preventable. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, creating pressure that can cause cracks or bursts. The result is often costly water damage, emergency frozen pipe repairs, and major inconvenience. Preparing your plumbing system before winter hits is the best way to protect your home. Use this winter plumbing checklist to reduce the risk of frozen pipes and keep everything flowing smoothly.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Start by identifying pipes in unheated or vulnerable areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. These pipes are the most likely to freeze during cold weather. Insulate them using foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation. This simple step helps retain heat and prevents cold air from reaching the pipes.
2. Seal Air Leaks Near Plumbing
Cold air entering your home can dramatically increase the risk of frozen pipes. Check for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, vents, and where pipes enter your home. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings. Even small drafts can expose pipes to freezing temperatures.
3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets traps water inside the spigot, making it easier for pipes to freeze. Disconnect all garden hoses and store them indoors. Shut off water supply valves to outdoor faucets if available, and drain any remaining water from the lines.
4. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Plumbing
If your home has sprinkler systems or outdoor water features, be sure they are properly shut down and drained before winter. Water left in outdoor lines can freeze and cause hidden damage that isn’t discovered until spring.
5. Keep the Heat On
Even if you’re leaving town during the winter, never turn your heat off completely. Set the thermostat to at least 55°F to maintain a safe indoor temperature. This ensures warm air circulates around pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks—especially those located on exterior walls—are more vulnerable to freezing. Opening cabinet doors allows warm air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially helpful during extreme cold snaps.
7. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
Allowing faucets to drip slightly during very cold weather helps prevent pipes from freezing by keeping water moving. Flowing water is less likely to freeze than standing water, and even a slow drip can relieve pressure buildup in the pipes.
8. Inspect Your Home’s Insulation
Proper insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces plays a major role in protecting your plumbing. If your home has uneven heating or cold spots, it may be time to upgrade insulation in those areas.
9. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is
In case a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your home’s water supply can prevent extensive damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main shutoff valve is located.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to winter plumbing. By following this checklist, you can greatly reduce the risk of frozen pipes, protect your home from costly damage, and enjoy peace of mind throughout the cold season. When in doubt, a professional plumbing service can help identify potential problem areas before winter weather arrives.